BOSTON, May 6, 2010 Dr. Kimberly Thompson, founder of Kid Risk, Inc. -- a nonprofit organization dedicated to pediatric safety and risk issues -- and adjunct associate professor at the Harvard School of Public Health warned today that an online dust-up over Pampers with Dry Max disposable diapers and diaper rash is unnecessarily scaring parents. Dr. Thompson was asked by P&G to review its safety data and expert opinions for Pampers with Dry Max diapers given her expertise and as a member of its external advisory boards related to product safety and sustainability.
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Dr. Thompson said, "I am concerned that a small group of online Facebook activists appear to be spreading sensational accusations and making unsubstantiated claims connecting a new diaper product to severe diaper rash. Using nonfactual and scary terms like 'chemical burns' that lead to emotional reactions, and based only on a relatively small number of personal experiences and no scientific data, the group appears to be creating an urban legend that has led some mainstream media to unfairly question the safety of the new Pampers Dry Max diapers.
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"From a public health standpoint, parents need to know that the diapers are safe, they have been extensively tested, and that the millions of babies who have already used the over 2.2 billion Pampers diapers sold to date with the new technology do not appear to be experiencing any increase in the number, types, or severity of diaper rashes. Diaper rash is unfortunately a common problem, and concerned parents need to get the facts to make their own informed choices."
Dr. Thompson also said she is convinced that Pampers with Dry Max is a completely safe product, that the steps P&G has taken to follow up are appropriate and that the new diaper is a step forward for babies and parents. She believes that parents are in the best position to evaluate their child's experience with any product and to make the best choices for their families, and that they need to know that there is no safety issue with Pampers with Dry Max diapers based on extensive consumer testing and actual product experience.
About Dr. Kimberly Thompson
Dr. Thompson founded Kid Risk, Inc. as a non-profit organization to continue the mission of the Kids Risk Project, which she created and directed at the Harvard School of Public Health between January 2000 and January 2009.
Dr. Thompson is available for print, radio and TV interviews by calling 617-680-2836 or emailing [email protected].
SOURCE Dr. Kimberly Thompson
